Strangers & Pilgrims

Homestead #1

by Stephen Bly

The Bowers are not your typical, late-nineteenth-century homesteading family. They did not move west to farm Nebraska; they moved east. Matthew Bowers won't be working the land; his wife Lissa will--despite her diminutive size. And while Papa is dreaming of new ideas and Mama is farming, it will be 17-year-old Jolie who runs the household and mothers her three younger siblings. It's unusual, but the Bowers are determined to make this plan--unlike all of Matthew's others--work. That is, if Mama can get the team of horses to settle down and plow. If they can conquer the challenges of floods, grasshoppers and cash flow that keep them on the edge of survival. And if Jolie can keep every young man in the state from fighting over her. The Bowers are a family of faith in a land where everyone is a stranger and pilgrim... at least for a few days. People of warmth, love and hospitality who don't hesitate to defy convention. A family no one ever forgets or wants to lose as a friend. A family readers will want to get to know for themselves.

Genres: Westerns, Christian Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011) authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah, Michael (married to Michelle), and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on ranches and farms.

Reviews

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of a unique and caring family working hard to recognize their dreams.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing of Stephen Bly's will ever compare with Hard Winter At Broken Arrow Crossing...while this story had some good points, it lacked excitement and adventure.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly an entertaining read. It was different as far as Historical goes. Most Historical books for me focus way to much on creating this romance through-out the book; and this one had a little bit of love and a whole lot of family and friends and down home humor. There should be more like this one. Actually if anyone knows of any more like that drop me a note. This would definitely be a re-read for me in the future.

[Ralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

a quick read but has a good story with christian theme

[Lilly Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Along with strong female characters, one can expect to laugh and get caught up in the wildness that is the Bowers Family. Each character is well-developed and unique. This book re-confirmed in me a love for Stephen Bly's writing. I would have liked even more action and romance, but this was great!

[Kathleen Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

wholesome, funny, suspenseful,

[Sharon Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived in Nebraska for the past 13 years, I found the historical perspective of the homesteaders interesting. The book was an easy read.

[Jennavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally don't go in for pioneer novels but Strangers and Pilgrims made me rethink that! This story was so cute and cheerful that it just ran by. I loved the characters, all of whom were unique and instantly recognizable. The way Bly writes his conversations is realistic, esspecially for a big family. There wasn't really a plot and occaisionally everyone was just a little too perky (none of the siblings ever really get mad at each other O_o) but I'm totally using this as a gift book!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read many more of Stephen Bly's books which had simpler yet more exciting plots. It was interesting to read a book whose main character is possibly the most like myself I've ever found in literature: dedicated daughter, sister, and homekeeper. Whether that is good or bad I'm not sure. ;-)

[Jennavier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangers and Pilgrims was cute and quick. I normally don't like pioneer novels but this one almost made me rethink that! The one downside was how everyone was perfectly happy with each other all the time.

[Janice Tolifson]

Matthew Bowers family is finally settling down on a homestead in Nebraska. Light read but good. Jolie the daughter gets in all kinds of situations.